Measure for Measure

This is the weekly dispatch from Bizarro Studios North, where I have been writing and drawing the Monday through Saturday Bizarro comics since 2018. My partner and friend Dan Piraro created Bizarro in the late twentieth century, and continues to do the Sunday comic from Rancho Bizarro in Mexico.

Wayno

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Honour thy error as a hidden intention.
Brian Eno & Peter Schmidt

Believe it or not, it's already time to look back on another short stack of Bizarro comics. In the studio, I was happy to have completed another week of new work in less than seven days, while many distractions presented themselves.

We're replacing two computers in our house, and (with the help of a knowledgeable consultant) the oldest one was decommissioned a couple of days ago. It's our "household" machine, and was on its last legs. I'm awaiting delivery of the new business Mac, which has me a little nervous. My current model is six or seven years old, and it's starting to act weird. I'm confident that the software and file transfers will work, but there's always the concern that the third-party peripherals (scanner, printer, tablet & stylus) might have to be replaced.

I also ventured out a few times. Twice to have a meal or a drink with old friends I haven't seen in a while, and once just to walk in some ridiculously pleasant February weather. On Thursday, here in Pittsburgh, we had a sunny high of seventy degrees. I barely even fretted about deadlines.

The quote at the top of the page is from Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt's Oblique Strategies cards. They're meant to be chosen at random to suggest ways to tackle creative problems. They don't strictly give advice, but can disrupt rote thinking and set the mind off in an unexpected direction. This is one of the more direct cards, and one of the more profound.

When people ask for tips about cartooning, one thing I always say is to draw every day, by hand, with a pen or pencil, not a mouse or stylus. When there's no "undo" option, unexpected marks on paper can sometimes grow into useful ideas. 

I had a vague awareness of this concept, but had never articulated it until I attended one of Laurie Rosenwald's How to Make Mistakes on Purpose workshops in 2007. It wasn't specifically about cartooning; Laurie's lessons apply to any creative work. She emphasized the importance of the accidental in making something new. Several of the workshop activities involved doing a large number drawings in a short burst of activity, encouraging stray lines or "happy accidents" to occur. If you have an opportunity to attend one of Laurie's workshops, don't miss it.

Rosenwald and Eno are both people I admire. They're interesting thinkers who make inspiring art. Eno is responsible for much of my favorite music, too.

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This week's pipe pic was discovered in the wild by my friend and bandmate Dave Klug.

Dave snapped this picture at his favorite flea market. I showed restraint by not asking him to buy the book for me, and was content to have the photo to share on the blog.

Now, let's take a look at what may have resulted from some happy accidents at my drawing board this past week.

Comics about animals are sometimes comments on the human condition, such as this illustration of the adage, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." Of course, an exploding chew toy is even more dangerous.

I've been writing a lot of snowfolk gags, despite the fact that our winter has been alarmingly mild this year.

When a snowperson wears this hairstyle, their sense of smell is heightened.

I'm no longer a kid, but I relate to the kid in the comic. When someone calls my phone, which is its most basic function, I feel a little anxious and perturbed at the "interruption." When I answer and speak with a friend, it's always rewarding, but the ringtone still induces dread. At least I can channel my irrational fear into a comic.

Maybe a new Oblique Strategies card could read, "Honor thy neuroses as hidden jokes."

Actual experts admit when they're stumped, while uninformed know-it-alls are always sure of themselves.

When this cowpoke pokes a cow, the cow stays poked.

Saturday's gag has the week's highest Secret Symbol count, and the highest protagonist.

Thanks for dropping by the cartoon corral, buckaroos. Mosey on over next week, and we'll drink some virtual joe around the digital campfire.

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Mardi Gras Bonus Track

Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns
Would You Believe It (I've Got a Cold)
Ace Records 45, 1959

 

February 21 was Mardi Gras. Less that two weeks before Fat Tuesday, Huey "Piano" Smith died at the age of 89. Smith was one of the greats of early New Orleans R&B, but like many musicians of his time, he was often cheated out of money, and had to work other jobs throughout his life.

His music was pure fun and joy, and he recorded many New Orleans classics, such as "Don't You Just Know It," "Rocking Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu," "Little Liza Jane," and "Don't You Know Yockomo."

"Would You Believe It" is a lesser-known number, with a delightful vocal by Bobby Marchan. My band used to perform this song, but we haven't for a few years. It might be time to bring it back into the repertoire.

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Even More Bizarro Stuff

Dan Piraro's Bizarro Blog
The latest Sunday Bizarro page, and thoughts on feline saliva

 Wayno's Bizarro Newsletter
If the blog doesn't fill you up, sample the newsletter. You'll see a clip from a future gag, and a graphic artifact from my files

Peyote Cowboy

Dan Piraro's epic, award-winning surreal western graphic novel

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